Dear Salem community:

I am writing today to offer an update on an exciting development for Salem Academy and College about the former Salem Academy building, which will soon begin to come back to life in a way that showcases our history and provides new opportunities for Salem.

Over the last year, a task force of Salem Academy alumnae and parents, former trustees, and Salem staff were tasked with finding a future use for the building at 500 E. Rams Drive. This task force consulted widely with local and regional business leaders, real estate developers, academic institutions, and more to explore a wide range of possibilities for the building’s future use. The task force was given the following parameters for its work: 1) that the building remain under Salem’s ownership and control, 2) that the future use aligns with Salem’s strategic priorities, and 3) that the future use would result in mutual benefit for the Salem community, the Winston-Salem community, and other partners. This work was supported in part by a grant from the Twin City Development Foundation, given our focus on community benefit and economic development.

During this period of exploration and study, we learned a tremendous amount about the building. We studied its architecture and history, mapped the building’s spaces with 3D imaging software, and came to an understanding of what it would take to bring the building back to life. Estimates from our architects found that to re-open the building for Salem’s exclusive use would likely cost between $16-24M, an amount far beyond what Salem could afford or finance alone. It was the conclusion of everyone on the task force, Salem leadership, and the Board that it is essential that we find a partner to help bring the building back to life, while honoring its history and value to our community.

After a year of exploration, planning, and due diligence, the Academy Building Task Force recommended to the Board of Trustees a plan for the building’s redevelopment. On June 20, 2024, the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the redevelopment of the former Academy Building as a development project for the institution to become a revenue-generating asset for Salem as a historic boutique hotel and conference center. This means Salem plans to develop the Academy Building to preserve and repurpose it to generate revenue that will benefit Salem Academy and College while also keeping the Academy Building very much a part of our beloved campus community.

We are excited to share that Salem plans to partner with a local real estate developer, Mayfair Hospitality Group, to reopen the building as a boutique hotel and conference center. Mayfair Hospitality Group has deep knowledge of the Winston-Salem community and expertise in historic property restoration. They, along with our Salem team, will reimagine the Academy Building as a vibrant hub for tourism and events, including a new restaurant and bar, 86 boutique hotel rooms, conference and meeting spaces, and more. The boutique hotel will be operated under the flag of a national hotel chain (to be selected). It will provide an opportunity for our alumnae, Salem friends, prospective students, and families to sleep under the roof of this beloved building once again.

Through this new partnership, Salem will be able to restore, renovate, and reopen the building and showcase its almost 100-year history of educating girls in the space. This hotel will introduce other visitors to Salem Academy’s remarkable history, legacy, and current prominence as a premier school for girls. The profit generated from this venture, of which Salem will be the majority partner, will support scholarships at the Academy and the College.

I hope that you will join me in sharing our excitement about this important new business venture for Salem and the wonderful opportunity to reimagine and showcase our rich and important legacy at Salem.

Best,